West Middlesex Hospital has launched a £100,000 campaign to improve its maternity services after receiving a disappointing government grant.

The Stork Appeal, the hospital's biggest-ever fundraising effort, comes as it prepares for a new natural birth centre that will boost the number of deliveries by 25 per cent to nearly 5,000 a year.

However, the NHS budget only covers essentials and the hospital is determined to raise the extra cash by the end of the year.

Tonie Neville, associate director of midwifery, said: "The money raised will help us go the extra mile in providing the very best care and facilities for our local community, as well as allowing us to give more women a greater variety of choice during their pregnancy."